VADITO, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's ski season kicked off Saturday with the opening of the Sipapu resort and at least two more resorts are expected to open later this week.

Snowmaking has started at some ski areas around New Mexico, but Sipapu was the first to open. The resort is reporting an 18-inch base.

Taos Ski Valley and Red River Ski Area are expected to open by Thanksgiving Day. Ski Santa Fe officials say they won't open until after the Thanksgiving weekend but could open within 48 hours of significant snowfall.

Ski resorts in New Mexico and around the West had an unusual season last year. Early on, the snow was relatively good in New Mexico, but resorts in other Western states were forced to close early because of lackluster snow.